By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Victoria Community Coalition is now renting apartments in the newly renovated St. John's Place.
The first phase of the St. John's renovation includes four two-bedroom, six one-bedroom, one studio and one handicap apartments for a total of 12 units.
The former St. John's nursing home sat empty for 12 years before the Victoria Community Coalition began raising the $3 million necessary to renovate the building.
The coalition broke ground on the apartments in April 2024.
SEE RELATED STORY: St. John's Place in Victoria breaks ground on phase 1 renovations.
The apartments are designed for independent living for moderate-income seniors, based on grants the coalition received to construct the apartments.
You must be 55 years old or older to apply for an apartment.
The apartments rent for between $725 and $1,275, depending on size. Income requirements start at $40,080 to $100,200 a year in annual income for an individual, Marilyn Braun, coalition treasurer, said. Those incomes can be higher for a couple.
The apartments have a separate, secure and handicap accessible entrance to the building.
The showers have low thresholds and built-in seats to make them more accessible for seniors.
The apartments also have a community room and a laundry room for residents' use.
If you are interested in learning more about renting an apartment, you can go to the Victoria Community Coalition website. You can also call 785-735-2200.
"We are very proud of it, and we hope to fill it up," Braun said. "We are going to continue on with the rest of the building. We are working with an architect, and we will be looking at raising money and trying to get our community center done and possibly two Airbnbs."
The coalition has planned for two apartment-style short-term rentals in the building. Those spaces are framed, but yet to be finished.
The Airbnb units will have a separate, secure entrance from the apartments.
The coalition is also looking to develop a child care space in the center and would like to add a small coffee bar.
Braun said the coalition already has designs for the Airbnb space, but they are working to develop plans for the community center and child care.
Once those plans have been done and an estimated cost determined, the coalition can begin applying for grants and fundraising for the next phase of development.
You can donate directly through the coalition website or mail checks payable to "Victoria Community Coalition" to Victoria Community Coalition, PO Box 94, Victoria, KS 67671.
Amanda Rupp, society director, said the timeline for the development of the museum space depends on fundraising.
However, she said she hopes that restrooms, HVAC and floor coverings should be in by the end of next summer.
She said the museum will eventually have volunteer opportunities at the St. John's location, and she hopes some of the St. John's apartment residents will consider participating.
Braun said she is excited about the museum's project.
"That's going to bring a lot of people to our community," she said. "We've got the church. There's a lot of people coming there. They'll have the ability to go see the historical society and see all the heritage and people who came from Russia. ...
"We look forward to being good neighbors."
You can also follow the Victoria Community Coalition on Facebook.